Tag: low cost of living

Branford, Connecticut

Interested in moving to New England, but concerned about the harsh winters? Consider the southern New England gem of Branford, CT. It doesn’t receive the bitter cold and high snowfall amounts of northern New England. Winters are tempered a bit by the Long Island Sound. Branford is about 80 miles from New York City. That’s far enough away for reasonable house prices/property taxes, yet close enough for an exciting day trip.

One of Branford’s greatest assets is its location right on the Long Island Sound. Beaches, fishing and boating are only minutes away. It’s in the greater New Haven area, a highly populated part of the state offering a healthy job market. Branford also boasts a quaint main street area with lots to do. Having a downtown gives a place an identity for it’s residents to take pride in. That community feel is a huge plus. It’s a great way to meet your new neighbors! Branford has low crime and a highly-rated school system as well.

If you’re seeking a suburban lifestyle right on the water, take a look at beautiful Branford!

The Connecticut coastline

Branford stats:

Total Population: 28,149

Median home value: $298,200

July is the warmest month, with an average high temperature of 83 degrees.

January is the coldest month, with an average high temperature of 38 degrees.

Average annual rainfall: 47 inches

Average annual snowfall: 32 inches

Fun Fact: Like pizza? Who doesn’t?! Sally’s Apizza and Frank Pepe’s are both in nearby New Haven. They’re rated as having some of the best pizza in the USA!

Introduction

Did you ever notice that some other “best places” lists will recommend towns/cities that can sometimes be freezing, very expensive, oppressively humid, dull, boring, etc? On this site, a human being (me) instead of a computer will share with you some great spots where people of all ages can happily call home. I’m a licensed Geographic Info Systems Professional with many years of experience in geography, demographics, real estate research, and I love the USA. Here’s how I come up with our top spots to live:

  • Moderate weather. This could refer to somewhere that stays around the same temperature all year, or that has four seasons…just not too extreme. If it gets too hot, too humid, brutally cold, gets tons of snow or rains too often, they don’t make the cut. Sorry frigid Duluth, Minnesota, nothing personal.
  • Low crime. This applies to all types, but especially violent crimes. Living someplace where you feel safe any time of day or night is priceless.
  • Low to moderate cost of living. This takes into account things like home prices, average salaries, and property taxes.
  • Good schools. No one wants to see their kid join a gang.
  • Identity. This isn’t a “must have” but a “nice to have” quality. Most people like to identify with a town that has a nice, walkable, main street area, as opposed to sprawling strip malls. A sense of community and pride resonates with many Americans. Lets go home team!
  • Culture/arts. If not in the town itself, very close by. You should have options other than just getting sloshed every night for entertainment…even though that’s fun once in a while (not judging you).
  • Water! Also not a “must have” for everyone, but more than important enough. An ocean or lake within a fairly short distance is great, especially for summer activities. Even if you don’t go in the water that often, knowing that it’s there when you want it is a huge plus.
  • Hospitals. It is particularly important for seniors to have a good hospital within a short distance. And lets face it, we’ve all had to take that adventure to the ER for one reason or another.
  • Economy/Jobs: A multitude and diversity of industries is important.
  • Environmentally healthy: far from landfills and environmental hazard areas

Please click Follow, I update my list with more great places quite frequently. If you have familiarity with some places on this list, feel free to share your comments. Think your town belongs on this list? Let me know why, it may just end up on this blog too!

Thanks for visiting, and I really hope this blog helps people who are looking for the perfect place to call home. That’s what it’s all about!